Octo Billy

Inspiration

We were inspired by the growing problem of plastic pollution and how easy it is to ignore something that feels far away. Instead of only presenting facts, we wanted to create an emotional connection. By seeing the ocean through Billy, a small octopus, players experience how a once-beautiful reef can slowly become damaged and lifeless. If people care about Billy, they’ll care about his home.

What it does

Octo-Billy is an interactive landing page and browser game that raises awareness about ocean pollution. Players explore the reef, witness the spread of plastic, and understand how human actions affect marine life. The experience blends storytelling with gameplay so learning feels natural and engaging.

How we built it

We built Octo-Billy using modern web technologies such as Next.js, R3f and three.js. The landing page introduces the story and message, while the 3D game allows players to swim around the environment in real time. We focused on keeping it accessible in the browser while still delivering strong visuals, smooth controls, and an immersive atmosphere.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was performance. Rendering a 3D world, especially with multiple players can easily lead to lag, so we had to carefully optimize models, lighting, and assets. Another challenge was balancing fun with seriousness: we wanted the game to feel cute and enjoyable without losing the importance of the message.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud that we transformed an environmental issue into something interactive and emotional. Building a character people can connect with, while also delivering a working 3D experience in a short time, feels like a huge achievement. Watching Billy come to life made the project feel real.

What we learned

We learned how powerful storytelling can be when combined with technology. Small visual and design decisions can completely change how players feel. Technically, we strengthened our skills in optimization, 3D workflows, and building interactive web experiences.

What's next for Octo Billy

We want to expand the world, add more sea life, and introduce clearer ways for players to take real-world action. Future ideas include larger maps, deeper gameplay mechanics, and partnerships with environmental initiatives. Billy’s journey is just getting started.

Built With

• gsap
• javascript
• next.js
• node.js
• r3f
• react
• tailwindcss
• three.js